Maple Leafs officially send defenseman to Marlies on a conditioning loan

Chris Tanev was spotted getting onto the Leafs' plane on Wednesday as they embark on a three-game road trip, indicating that the 35-year-old is close to a return to the lineup.

With Tanev's return appearing imminent, the Leafs may also be getting more help on the blueline as Marshall Rifai inches closer to a return.

The 27-year-old Quebec native has missed the entire season after suffering a broken wrist during training camp that required surgery.

Rifai, like Tanev, has shed his non-contact jersey in recent practices and looks set to make his season debut when the Leafs return from their road trip.

Ahead of the morning skate in Washington today, the Leafs have announced that Rifai has been assigned to the Toronto Marlies on a conditioning loan.

A product of Harvard University, Rifai is a right-shot defenseman that brings a physical element to the backend. Known more for his physicality and shutdown play than his offensive production, Rifai made his Leafs debut during the 2023-24 season, but has spent the majority of his pro career with the Toronto Marlies.

When Rifai returns, along with Tanev, the Leafs will suddenly have three defensemen on the right side that are seemingly ahead of Philippe Myers.

Drawing the ire of Leafs Nation for his poor play, Myers also appears to have landed in the dog house of Leafs head coach Craig Berube.

How the Leafs assemble their blueline in the next week or so will be something to keep an eye on, and as they get healthier, Myers may find himself on waivers following the holiday roster freeze which takes affect on Friday.